Lifestyles with Internet and Electronics

Just last week, I noticed that there is an increase download speed with my Smart Bro Plan 999 as I was downloading some files. I checked out speedtest.net so I can verify my download speed. As you can see, the download has gone up to 0.53Mbps or approximately 530kbps from its previous average of 380kbps! I also checked Smart Bro website and there it was posted that Plan 999 is now up to 512kbps. Talk about good news.

MANILA, Philippines—Telecommunications giant Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. announced on Tuesday plans to launch within the year what it claims to be the most advanced broadband delivery platform called Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH), which will deliver high-speed data services to residences and buildings.

“Fiber to the home is a quantum leap forward in terms of broadband services. This demonstrates PLDT’s commitment to offer its customers cutting edge communication technologies,” said Napoleon L. Nazareno, PLDT president and chief executive officer, in a statement.

FTTH uses fiber optic technology that transmits data via light signals sent through hair-thin strands of pure glass.

The new platform will be able to deliver simultaneously voice, video and data services at much higher speeds and larger capacities than DSL or cable technologies.

Initial tests done by PLDT have shown the capabilities of FTTH.

At a demonstration facility at the PLDT’s head office, an FTTH-enabled computer posted download speeds of up to 94.86 megabits per second (mbps) and upload rates of 69.39 mbps, according to PLDT Network head Rolando G. Peña.

At those speeds, it would take only a second to download a 5Mb mp3 file, three seconds for a 35Mb video clip and only a minute to download an 800Mb movie.

“Depending on how we’ll design the product, we can provide gigabit speeds to homes, not just megabit speeds,” he said.

PLDT chair Manuel V. Pangilinan tested the new technology by watching the recent Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton fight last May 3 via live video streaming using FTTH.

“Excellent reception. Excellent definition of the pictures,” said Pangilinan, who also chairs the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines.

Doris Dumlao
Philippine Daily Inquirer

My cousin recently bought a new laptop and she wanted to have a wireless home network after having an internet connection at home. So she asked me to buy her a wireless router for her wireless home network. Then I began to look for wireless router available in our area and I encountered known expensive brands such as LinkSys, DLink, NetGear, and some not-so-popular but cheap brands like Planet and Encore.

I felt like going against the odds so I chose between Planet and Encore. Then to finally choose what brand to buy, I looked closely at their prices and then the winner clearly separated itself from its contender. Encore ENHWI-G2 at Php 1,380 (~$29), while Planet WRT4152.14Ghz 54MBps at Php 1,595 (~$34). No more questions asked :).

Installation and performance will be discussed later. Just keep updated. :)